Clinical applications of echocardiography

Echocardiography is helpful to the clinician in a number of situations. In a patient with the radiological finding of cardiomegaly, the possibilities of a pericardial effusion, left or right ventricular volume overload, or severe ventricular dysfunction, may readily and accurately be assessed. The technique is a useful adjunct in assessing the severity of many valvular lesions and in some cases establishing the aetiology of the lesion. The ability to diagnose left atrial myxomas is unique and invaluable. Mitral valve prolapse and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are now being recognised more frequently, and may provide an "organic" reason for long-standing unexplained symptoms. Finally, while echocardiography is of value in certain clearly defined areas, it should not be regarded as a panacea for all cardiac diagnostic or management problems.